Maritime Safety News Archives - Page 36 of 260

The newly launched Green Ray Initiative, coordinated by VTT Technical research institute in Finland, is a 5-year research project which aims to reduce methane slip from LNG-powered engines. The project has received funding worth 7 million euros from the European Commission and intends to work on multiple avenues to reduce methane slip from both newbuilds and retrofits.

The project primarily focuses on a low-pressure dual-fuel engine concept, as this engine is popular in marine applications. Within this, the project aims to develop three technologies. The first one is a four-stroke engine that will enable methane slip reduction at all engine loads, this kind of engine will find use in cruises, ferries, and gas carriers. The second will be a two-stroke engine with a patented LNG injection system, which will be used in tankers and container ships. And the third and final will be an after-treatment technology involving a sulfur-resistant catalyst system that will be able to reduce the emissions originating from methane slip by up to 95% and will reduce it to a level of 1g of emission per kWh of energy.

The project is expected to hit the ground running as many big names in the industry are its participants and backers, such as DNV, Wartsila, Shell, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, MSC Malta shipyard, CMA Ships, MSC Cruises, and the Finnish Meteorological Institute.

These technologies will be demonstrated on board two new ships and a retrofitted ship, up to the Technology Readiness Level 7 (TRL7) standards. The project will also combine the data collected on emissions with onboard experiments and modeling to provide a more comprehensive outlook on the global impact on marine transport.

Source: https://www.fleetmon.com/maritime-news/2022/39021/europe-funds-new-initiative-reduce-methane-slip-ln/

Russian and Chinese tankers are carrying out high risk ship-to-ship crude oil transfers at a newly established spot in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, it has been revealed.

Analysis has tracked at least a dozen tankers involved in transferring or receiving crude oil of Russian origin, which then set sail for destinations in Asia, particularly China.

The transfers, which are taking place about 1,480 kilometres off the Portuguese coast, have raised concerns of an accident at sea with economic or ecological implications.

The research was carried out by the Lloyd’s List, a long-running shipping journal that provides insight into maritime and associated data from around the globe. It says that the ship-to-ship transfer hub represents a case of owners taking “big risks for big money”.

Experts believe mid-Atlantic ship-to-ship transfers would pose a major logistical challenge to crew members and jeopardise their safety at sea. Such transactions could also allow for the trading of oil from blacklisted nations.

At the core of the operation is a cluster of five Chinese-owned boats, which were set up under separate company names but registered at the same address.

The Lloyd’s report says Russian energy giants Gazprom and Lukoil have chartered most of the outbound ships which load from Baltic and Black sea ports, including Primorsk and Ust-Luga.

The report claims an additional 12 tankers may have been involved in the operation, but cannot be traced as their identification systems were switched off.

Alex Glykas from Dynamarine says the practice has never been seen before in the Atlantic, in part because a smooth transfer relies on the weather being “ideal”, an infrequent scenario in the area.

He says ships taking part in this kind of practice could easily be damaged, potentially leading to oil spills.

“The way that the industry has been structured, it assists opportunities because there is no proper surveillance, it’s as simple as that,” he said. “Shipowners who want to take big risks, they make big money and there are traders that support them.”

Lloyd’s List claims the practice is carried out in combination with a series of other “deceptive shipping practices”, which are designed to “obfuscate the origin and destination of the cargo, as well as the ownership and identify of any vessels involved”.

The journal says there already about 200 ageing oil tankers in the oceans which are involved in shipping 1.2 million barrels per day from countries under sanction, including Iran and Venezuela.

The transfers allow traders to mix their load with other crude oil types which can lead to false claims that a cargo on board could be, for example, ‘Malaysian Blend’ to circumvent sanctions.
Source: The National

Ensuring that Canadian Coast Guard personnel have the equipment they need to keep Canada’s waterways open and safe is a key priority for the Government of Canada.

Today, the Canadian Coast Guard is announcing the award of a $36.14 million vessel life extension contract for the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) George R. Pearkes. The vessel will be dry-docked and enter an extended maintenance period designed to increase its operational life.
Following an open and competitive process, Public Services and Procurement Canada, on behalf of the Canadian Coast Guard, has awarded Heddle Shipyards, Hamilton, Ontario, the contract to complete vessel life extension work on the CCGS George R. Pearkes. The ship primarily performs light icebreaking and buoy tending, and is available for search and rescue and environmental response operations on Canada’s east coast.

The vessel life extension work includes:

• steel hull reinforcement;
• hull, superstructure, deck and mast recoating;
• galley modernization;
• replacement of the bow thruster, cycloconverter, propulsion generator and the internal communication system;
• tail shaft and rudder inspections; and
• domestic and auxiliary system upgrades.

This contract award falls under the repair, refit and maintenance pillar of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, which is helping to ensure that Canada has a safe and effective fleet of ships to serve and protect Canadians for years to come, while providing ongoing opportunities for shipyards and suppliers across Canada.

While the ship undergoes vessel life extension from Winter 2023 to Spring 2024, the Canadian Coast Guard will reallocate its other maritime resources to ensure Canada’s waterways continue to be safe for all seafarers in Canadian waters.

Quotes
“A strong, well-equipped, Canadian Coast Guard fleet is essential to protect Canadians on the water, and the marine environment. This Government continues to make important investments through the National Shipbuilding Strategy so that Canadian Coast Guard personnel have state of the art equipment to perform their crucial work. With the vessel life extension of the CCGS George R. Pearkes, Canadian Coast Guard personnel will continue their key role in supporting Canada’s blue economy.”

The Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
“Canadians from coast to coast to coast know the importance of our Coast Guard. I am thrilled that a company from Hamilton will be able to help ensure that personnel of Canada’s Coast Guard have a safe and effective fleet of ships to serve and protect. This contract award today demonstrates that the National Shipbuilding Strategy provides economic opportunities for shipyards across Canada. Canada’s skilled shipbuilding workforce is helping us repair and maintain our fleets, while supporting economic growth across the country.”

The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Public Services and Procurement

Quick Facts
• The CCGS George R. Pearkes entered into service in 1986.
• Stationed in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, CCGS George R. Pearkes is primarily a light icebreaker and buoy tending vessel named for Victoria Cross recipient George Randolph Pearkes.
• Although the vessel is primarily used for buoy tending and icebreaking, it also performs search and rescue, scientific research and environmental response.
Source: Canadian Coast Guard

According to Alphaliner, the US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) announced a new, streamlined procedure for shippers who wish to file complaints against shipping lines for unfair charges.

This announcement is received as a result of the numerous complaints that shippers or exporters had presented in the United States due to the collections in detention and delays of the containers of the maritime lines that in past news involved Hapag-Lloyd. The ruling, favorable to the shipper, resulted in a large fine to the shipping line for excessive charges during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a notice published last week enacting the provisions of the new Shipping Reform Act, the new guidance will allow shippers to open a dispute by sending a single email to the FMC detailing the alleged violations along with supporting documents.

If enough information is received, the FMC will launch an investigation. Shipper representatives claimed that the guidance would give the FMC enforcement strength, similar to that of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). An FMC investigation could result in possible civil penalties for carriers and an order for reimbursement of the charges.

The FMC notice follows the enactment of the Shipping Reform Act on June 16, the first update to US shipping law since 1998. Shippers must show that the alleged violation took place after of June 16 and that contravenes the new Law.

Taking this announcement into account, exporters and NVOCCs will now have a little more negotiating capacity against shipping lines in the United States. However, the possible sanctions that this would entail are not yet known, but it is stipulated that they be compensation or monetary fines.

Source: Alphaliner

Seafarers are an integral part of the shipping industry, and Ardmore Shipping is committed to supporting individuals from Cadet to Captain. As the shipping industry navigates the energy transition, Ardmore believes that people will need to collaborate and share knowledge agility and experience to make this era an opportunity for positive change. Even deeper investment in talent will be key to the success today and in the future.

To get insight from the team at sea, Ardmore Shipping hears from Enache Marian Alexandru, 2^nd Officer, who has just finished his latest voyage onboard the Ardmore Seavaliant and reflects on his experiences at sea, the importance of connectivity and the lifestyle offered by seafaring.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Few jobs offer the chance to see a multitude of places around the world and to meet so many different people from different countries. Working in a close environment for long periods of time enables you to connect, listen and explore other cultures and ways of life. These experiences help build better relationships and enable you to become more of a well-rounded person. The experience of being at sea helps people learn about themselves, discover hidden strengths and talents, and understand the value of teamwork.

Describe your experience on board Ardmore vessels.

I had the opportunity to start my career with Ardmore Shipping, learning from the beginning to have high standards in everything I do. Working with passionate and hard-working teammates is a unique and unforgettable experience, and very difficult to compare to a land-based job. Ardmore Shipping is an extremely professional company with proficient and well-trained crew. Having access to good quality internet while at sea makes a big difference to wellbeing onboard. Being in touch with our family at all times makes it easier to be far away from them.

What was your experience of Ardmore’s cadet program?

I spent an extensive amount of time on a single vessel as part of my training, during which I was involved in all the jobs you are required to do as an officer. I had a very supportive and experienced crew teach me and was willing to answer every question I had. It was a great experience being supported from shore and sea staff during this process and I spent many evenings writing in my cadet training book because there’s a lot of information you need to know to do the role safely. It formed part of my portfolio when I went for my final examination and I am very grateful for the value this experience brought to my education platform.

What is your opinion on the importance of safety onboard?

We need to avoid incidents from happening so Ardmore’s approach to providing fleet training sessions and drills ensures we are always testing our team and refreshing our processes. We have access to regular training online via the Seagull CBT platform and regular video and in person conferences with the Ardmore shore team which helps support our development and connection with the land based team.

It is important to recognize that safety comes down to decision-making. Sometimes the decisions might be emergency related, or they might be to do with high-value cargo, so you have to have the confidence to present yourself and know that what you’re going to do is what you were trained for and, therefore, is the right choice to make.

Source: https://ardmoreshipping.com/crew-insights-2nd-officer-enache-marian-alexandru-shares-his-experiences/

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria, on research and training towards enhancing maritime safety and security in Nigeria.

The Director General NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh, and his counterpart at the NITT, Dr. Bayero Salih Farah, signed the MoU over the weekend in Zaria, which is hinged on research and training, with a view to enhancing local content and boosting the quality assurance of the institute. This is a follow up on earlier agreements reached between both Agencies of government in their quest to further domesticate specialized training programmes at management cadre in the maritime sector.

Dr. Jamoh described the MoU between both parties as a mutually beneficial partnership, aimed at supporting the core mandate of the NITT, while also in line with his administration’s commitment to capacity building for NIMASA staff.

According to him, “the MoU is to formalize and strengthen the existing relationship between NIMASA and the NITT in terms of research, training and capacity development in general. We appreciate your visit to NIMASA sometime ago and we are glad that much progress is being made in terms of our collaboration”. We hope that your institute willconduct detailed research to determine gaps in the implementation of our core mandate and develop training programs to close such identified gaps.”

On his part, the NITT Director General, Dr. Bayero Salih Farah, thanked NIMASA for its longstanding support to the institute through direct financial assistance and by utilizing the training services provided for the Agency’s staff over the years.

He added that the NITT would work closely with NIMASA to ensure that the Institute provides training and research services that are of globally acceptable standard.

NITT provides trainings to personnel employed in all modes of transport, leading to the award of various certificates; Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma and Masters in Transport and Logistics.

NIMASA has continued to embrace capacity building as a tool to enhance maritime development in Nigeria, while also engaging in all forms of viable collaborations towards achieving its mandate, which cuts across shipping development, maritime safety and maritime security.

Source: https://www.sunnewsonline.com/nimasa-nitt-sign-mou-on-research-training-on-maritime-safety/

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has recognised volunteer Ian Baker of Marine Rescue NSW with the NSW Maritime Medal 2021 for Safety.

The Safety Medal is awarded every two years to a person or group demonstrating outstanding and sustained effort that promotes safety for the boating and/or maritime community of NSW.

Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary Safety Environment and Regulation Tara McCarthy congratulated Mr Baker for his outstanding and sustained contribution to the boating and maritime community.

“The selection panel agreed that Mr Baker, who has volunteered for more than 45 years in maritime safety, was the stand-out nominee for the Safety medal,” Ms McCarthy said.

“He joined the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association in 1975 – one of three services which later merged to form Marine Rescue NSW – and has been dedicated to saving lives on NSW waters ever since.

“As an operational Search and Rescue Support Officer and Coxswain, Mr Baker has participated in more than 400 rescues – which is an amazing achievement.

“He has served in every unit role and earned the respect of everyone he has volunteered with, including members he mentors.

“His passion for boating safety is evident in his running of boat licence and radio courses for the public, as well as courses for Marine Rescue NSW members, plus his devotion of entire weekends to conducting training or rostered boat duty as a skipper.

“TfNSW thanks Mr Baker for his professionalism, dedication and extensive maritime safety expertise.

“These valuable attributes inspire other volunteers to maintain and extend their skills and knowledge in maritime safety for the benefit of the wider community.”

Source: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/media-releases/volunteer-of-more-than-45-years-awarded-nsw-maritime-medal-for

A 100-year-old, out-of-service passenger ferry Tourist No. 2 capsized in the Columbia River while moored near Astoria, Ore. on Thursday. There were no passengers on board.

The U.S. Coast Guard said it is responding and that an investigation into the cause of the sinking is underway.

A good Samaritan deployed a boom to contain an initial oil release and minimize potential impact to the environment, said Petty Officer 3rd Class Diolanda Caballero, 13th Coast Guard District External Affairs, who added no oil is being discharged currently.

Photos shared on social media show the vessel listing badly to its starboard side.

The amount of oil spilled and quantity still on board is unknown, Caballero said.

The Coast Guard opened the Oil Liability Trust Fund to hire Global Diving and Salvage to help assist in the cleanup effort, which is set to begin on Friday.

Built in 1924, the wood-hulled ferry Tourist No. 2 has carried passengers throughout the Pacific Northwest, and was even used by the U.S. Army during World War II.

The historic vessel, which is listed on the Washington Historic Register and the National Register of Historic Places, has undergone several refurbishments and a number of name and ownership changes throughout the years. It is currently owned by Christian Lint and had been moored near Wilcox fueling pier in Astoria for approximately a year.

Source: https://www.marinelink.com/news/yearold-ferry-sinks-astoria-ore-498400

Deck cadet Burak Kinayer, 19, is waiting to hear when he will set sail home to Turkey after five months of being stranded by the war in the Ukraine now a grain export deal has been signed.

As clashes between Russian and Ukrainian forces echoed off the coast of Odesa last weekend, he became concerned, but Kinayer said his nervousness gave way to excitement as the Kaptan Cevdet gets ready to leave, potentially in the coming days.

“The way back does not scare me,” the trainee navigational deck officer told Reuters via videolink from aboard the ship.

“We can say that our excitement and hopes have been through the roof in the recent days,” he said.

Kinayer’s ship is one of dozens preparing to depart from three Black Sea ports blockaded by Russia after its invasion of Ukraine. The opening came after Moscow, Kyiv, Ankara and the United Nations signed a grain-and-fertilizer export deal meant to ease concerns over a growing global food crisis.

Ukraine’s shipments via sea have stalled since February, stoking global prices for grains, cooking oils, fuel and fertilizer. Moscow has denied responsibility for the food crisis, blaming Western sanctions for slowing exports and Ukraine for mining the approaches to its ports.

A coordination centre will be unveiled on Wednesday in Istanbul to oversee ships departing Ukraine and inspect incoming ships for weapons. It will include U.N., Russian, Ukrainian and Turkish delegations.

A Turkish official said on Wednesday all the details had been worked out, including a safe route for ships that will not require the clearing of sea mines, with the first ship likely to depart from Black Sea ports in a few days.

“There is a slight uneasiness but it is good for us that controls will be made and that other ships will be escorting us. This makes us feel safe,” said Kinayer, when asked how he was anticipating a journey with mine sweepers and military escorts.

He and his crew-mates have lived on the ship for the past five months, required to stay on board by the vessel’s operators, given the potential difficulties of returning should they leave.

Kinayer said they were frightened when Russia launched its invasion in February, with people fleeing the nearby city of Odesa and growing concerns about to how to find food.

The nerves returned on Saturday when another Russian strike hit Odesa’s port. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the strike had been aimed at military infrastructure.

“We were a bit scared by the attack a couple of days ago thinking, ‘What will happen to the deal?’,” he said.

“Our emotions are complicated. As the final days arrive, we feel both excitement and joy,” Kinayer said.

Although his first experience as a deck cadet, learning how to be an officer in charge of a navigational watch, was overshadowed by war, Kiyaner said his love for sea trumped everything.

“It is bad that my first experience turned out to be this way and it will have a scar on me. But since I build my future with the sea, I don’t think about quitting (this profession) because this happened,” he said.

Source:

Washington State Ferries said one of its vessels suffered “significant damage” as the result of a “hard landing” at the Fauntleroy terminal in Seattle on Thursday.

The Cathlamet, which was traveling from Vashon Island to West Seattle during a 7:55 a.m. sailing, reportedly struck an offshore dolphin (pilings, not the aquatic mammal) before alliding with the dock.

Photos shared to social media show considerable damage to Cathlamet’s port bow above the waterline. No injuries or pollution were reported, though several cars on board the ferry have been damaged. All but two cars were able to exit the ferry, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard said it is working with Washington State Ferries to investigate the cause of the incident.

Meanwhile, the Fauntleroy terminal is closed until further notice. “The dock structure will be examined and if it’s determined to be usable, we’ll restore service there,” Washington State Ferries said.

The state ferry operator said it is working with Kitsap Transit and King County Metro to coordinate passenger-only services while its Fauntleroy service is affected.

Cathlamet is a 328-foot Issaquah class ferry with capacity for 1,200 passengers and 124 vehicles. It was built by Marine Power and Equipment in Seattle in 1981.

(Photo: U.S. Cost Guard)